In 2010, 11-year-old Priyanshi Somani amazed everyone when she won the Mental Calculation World Cup, setting a new world record at mental square roots in the process. She was the first competitor to achieve such success as a child, but since her victory many other young competitors have followed in her footsteps.
Priyanshi retired from mental calculation in early 2012 to focus on her school studies. Now 19 years old, today we catch up with her to discuss her memories and her current life.
What did you expect before competing at the World Cup? Did you think you would do so well?
I expected nothing as I was a just 11 years old. But yes when I think about it, somehow I really believed in myself and I knew I’d win. Though I didn’t really think about winning!
How did it feel, winning against very experienced competitors?
Winning that competition gave me the confidence within me that I can do anything in life. That feeling is so much more than anything on this planet.
What are you doing these days? Do you still practise calculations?
No I don’t practise calculations anymore. I am studying currently, doing theatre in Mumbai with various groups as one of my hobbies, and trying to finish my basic graduation.
Will you compete again at calculations?
Not that I have planned to, but life takes turns you never know it will, so maybe someday!
Do you have any plans for your career, or ambitions for your future?
I have no plans, and I don’t want to have plans either. I feel only a free mind is creative. I don’t want to figure out now what I’ll do ten years later, rather what I’ll do today and tomorrow.
But yes of course I am ambitious. I mean I won’t be competing again but I want to push myself harder each day. There is a battle everyday we fight, we win or sometimes we don’t satisfy ourselves. But I want to continue fighting it because I feel life has something amazing for me.
What advice would you give to children who are competing for the first time?
To be honest, just calm down. Do what you feel like, take no pressure of course but yes if you decide on doing something then give it 200%. Give all that you have because then the feeling of hard work, perseverance which you get at the end of the day is very important to increase your confidence growing up!
I am very grateful for the family I have. I mean literally I am nothing without my Mom, Dad and brother. They are my heros, my lifeline. It’s never an individual’s journey, always a team effort!
Especially our generation thinks we can make it on our own. It’s true but if you have your parents by your side, it’s a headstart! That would also be my advice. Always love, respect and be grateful to them first and then others.
Thanks Priyanshi for sharing your thoughts, and good luck with your studies! If you would like to contact her directly, do so by Facebook Messenger at priyanshi.somani.9
If you are good at arithmetic and want to try competing at the highest levels, there is still time to register for the Junior World Championship (includes 2 days of training activities) and the World Cup (all ages). For details of other competitions, including Memoriad and the Mind Sports Olympiad, the information is here.
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